Originally posted by FetchmyjunkThis question is open to all religions and belief systems. What hope does your religion/beliefs hold for mankind?

You can say its bias but i really do think that we (Jehovahs witnesses) have the most beautiful message out of all religions. The earth will become a paradise as God intended originally. Mankind will eventually be free from sin and thus death, mourning and disease will be no more, peaceful loving people will be able to live forever on this restored paradise using their minds and talents to the full.

Originally posted by FetchmyjunkNice cop out. Does atheism hold any hope for mankind?

Come sir, the cop out is to lazily lump atheists into the category of 'belief system' despite being told frequently (by atheists) that their atheism is not a belief system but solely an absence of God in their lives.

Even your follow up question of 'Does atheism hold any hope for mankind?' is a continuation of your misunderstanding, as again, 'atheism' is no more than a Godless existence. I could answer your question if you like, as to whether 'I personally' hold any hope for mankind, but this will have nothing to do with my atheism. (And you will find,due to atheism not being a belief system, that different atheists will provide different answers to your question).

Originally posted by Ghost of a DukeCome sir, the cop out is to lazily lump atheists into the category of 'belief system' despite being told frequently (by atheists) that their atheism is not a belief system but solely an absence of God in their lives.

Even your follow up question of 'Does atheism hold any hope for mankind?' is a continuation of your misunderstanding, as again, 'ath ...[text shortened]... being a belief system, that different atheists will provide different answers to your question).

I have edited the OP. Does your lack of belief in God provide any hope for mankind?

Originally posted by FetchmyjunkNice cop out. Does atheism hold any hope for mankind?

Nice cop out. Does atheism hold any hope for mankind?

Some. Surprise !

Atheism can help Christians really examine their practices and beliefs.

Look at Christopher Hitchens, a militant atheist, when speaking to Christian audiences. Many times they listen quite intently. They listen intently because they know in SOME points he has a valid argument.

To the degree that Christians can listen to some atheists and re-examine parts of their practices which may be legitimately called offensive and a nuisance to society being misrepresentation of the life of Christ, their criticisms have some limited use.

For that reason I would say indirectly, atheism contributes to some hope for mankind.
If the church were normal in every respect, such indirect benefit would not be necessary.

Atheism can help Christians really examine their practices and beliefs.

Look at Christopher Hitchens, a militant atheist, when speaking to Christian audiences. Many times they listen quite intently. They listen intently because they know in SOME points ...[text shortened]... irect benefit would not be necessary.

Originally posted by FetchmyjunkGood point. But I wonder does atheism hold any hope for atheists?

Today I saw a YouTube in which a sassy Atheist woman was asked what would she ask God if it turned out to her on judgment day that she was wrong about His nonexistence. She thought for a moment and said she would ask God if He could obtain for her Satan's autograph.

If your desire is really not to have anything to do with God, sure, Atheism will offer you that hope.

However, God knowing all things, has already informed man about that hope. He says basically - "You can hope for this, having nothing to do with God, if you really wish. But you're not going to enjoy that existence."

Originally posted by robbie carrobieYou can say its bias but i really do think that we (Jehovahs witnesses) have the most beautiful message out of all religions. The earth will become a paradise as God intended originally. Mankind will eventually be free from sin and thus death, mourning and disease will be no more, peaceful loving people will be able to live forever on this restored paradise using their minds and talents to the full.

In addition:
(John 5:28, 29) Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out,
We are the only religion (to my knowledge) that points out the Earthly resurrection hope
for all mankind to that Paradise condition that will exist.
(Luke 23:43) And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

Originally posted by roigamIn addition:
(John 5:28, 29) Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out,
We are the only religion (to my knowledge) that points out the Earthly resurrection hope
for all mankind to that Paradise condition that will exist.
(Luke 23:43) And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

Yes I think the problem was when Christianity adopted Platonic philosophical concepts which stated that the spiritual realm was the only real world and that the 'soul', was trapped inside the body. This has manifested itself in a kind of 'pie in the sky' religious outlook. Correct me if I am wrong but are Jehovahs witnesses not the only religion that teaches that some so called 'soul', does not transcend death?